JP2014509914A - Watch band part - Google Patents

Abstract

A piece of reinforcing material (2) for the wristwatch band piece (1) for installation in a piece sheath (3) made of a flexible material, and a fastening element (10) for the piece on the watch case. Reinforcing material, characterized in that it comprises a coupling element (4) which is mechanically coupled to a piece of attachment element (9) to the surface.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a reinforcing material for a wristband part. The present invention also relates to a band piece provided with the reinforcing material. The invention further relates to a band comprising at least one piece thereof. Finally, the present invention relates to a wristwatch having at least one piece.

  There are many flexible watch bands on the market, especially leather, elastomer, and thermoplastic resin = elastomer. However, the durability and performance of such a band is not always satisfactory as compared with the performance of a metal top band.

  In order to solve such problems, it was considered to realize a hybrid type band, that is, a flexible band provided with a reinforcing material.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a band made of a plastic material reinforced with a metal frame folded at one end so that a hole through which a spring bar is passed is formed. This folding of the metal frame has a function of forming a through hole for passing a spring bar or screw for fixing the band. However, after all, it is the plastic material that is responsible for the tensile strength of the band.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a band that uses a two-layered reinforcing material made of a durable thin film attached to a flexible thin plate in order to increase the tensile strength of one piece without impairing flexibility. ing. This two-layer reinforcing material does not improve the tensile strength at the connecting portion level.

  In patent document 3, in order to reinforce a band in a connection part level, the flexible band provided with the reinforcing material which exists only in the folding | turning part of the one part and was adhere | attached is disclosed. This solution does not improve the tensile strength of the piece.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a resin band reinforced by a nylon insert. This insert is wrapped around the connection in certain embodiments. As in the case of Patent Document 5, the tensile strength of the band is handled by the resin.

  Many models and concepts are described and introduced for flexible bands. Nonetheless, the known flexible bands are all fairly weak in terms of mechanical performance, in particular the tensile strength of the piece. Therefore, it is necessary to select either a soft and comfortable band made of leather or elastomer and a metal band excellent in mechanical performance. In particular, a flexible band is always inferior to a metal band in terms of its robustness, such as tensile strength and folding resistance.

French Patent Application No. 1591988 Specification Austrian Patent Application Publication No. 400661 Austrian Patent Application No. 407692 JP 07-329110 A French Patent Application No. 1591988 Specification

Swiss watch industry standard NIHS 92-11

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a band that corrects the aforementioned drawbacks and improves the known bands of the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a band that combines high performance and comfort. The present invention also proposes a wristwatch comprising the band.

  Claim 1 defines a reinforcement according to the first aspect of the invention.

  In claims 2 to 10 various embodiments of the reinforcement according to the invention are defined.

  Claim 11 defines a reinforcement according to the second aspect of the present invention.

  In claim 12, a reinforcing material according to the third aspect of the present invention is defined.

  In claims 13 to 22, various embodiments of the reinforcement according to the invention are defined.

  In claim 23, a band piece according to the invention is defined.

  In claims 24 to 27 various embodiments of the band strip according to the invention are defined.

  In claim 28, a band according to the invention is defined.

  In claim 29, a wristwatch according to the invention is defined.

  In claim 30, a method for determining the geometrical shape of the band piece according to the present invention is defined.

  The accompanying drawings show, by way of non-limiting example, two embodiments of a band according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a band piece according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a band piece according to the present invention, also showing a first embodiment of a stiffener used in this embodiment of the band piece according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a reinforcement used in one embodiment of a band piece according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram of one embodiment of a tube used in one embodiment of a band piece according to the present invention at the connection level to a watch case. FIG. 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of a tube used in one embodiment of a band piece according to the present invention at the connection level to a fastener. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the edge part of the reinforcement material by 2nd Embodiment of the reinforcement material by this invention. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a reinforcement used in one embodiment of a band piece according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a reinforcement used in one embodiment of a band piece according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a stiffener used in the embodiment of the band strip according to the invention shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a stiffener used in the embodiment of the band strip according to the invention shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a stiffener used in the embodiment of the band strip according to the invention shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ends of two variants of the first embodiment of the reinforcing material according to the invention shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ends of two variants of the first embodiment of the reinforcing material according to the invention shown in FIG. 2. 6 is a graph showing the change in bending stiffness of various embodiments of band pieces according to the present invention. It is a graph showing the change in the width (broken line) of the reinforcing material to obtain a constant rigidity along one piece and thereby compensate for the change in the width (solid line) of the piece. The figure which corresponds to the place and the scale is a unit of "mm". It is a graph which shows the change of the width (broken line) of the reinforcing material for obtaining constant rigidity along the one part and thereby making up for the change of the thickness (not shown) of the one part. The figure corresponding to the place seen from the top, and a scale is a "mm" unit. A graph showing the change in the width of the reinforcement (broken line) to obtain a constant stiffness along the piece and thereby compensate for the change in the width of the piece (solid line) or the thickness of the piece (not shown) The figure which corresponds to the place which looked at the shape of the one part from the top, and whose scale is a unit of "mm".

  One embodiment of a band piece 1 according to the invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The band piece is a flexible type, in particular, a hybrid type, that is, a type including a reinforcing material while being a flexible material.

  The band piece includes a reinforcement 2 housed in a flexible material sheath. The reinforcement is preferably made of a first material and the sheath 3 is made of a second material. For example, the first material is a metal, in particular an alloy, in particular a superelastic alloy or a shape memory alloy. The second material is a flexible material. As the second material, in particular, an elastomer such as rubber, a polymer, or leather can be used.

  The first and second materials have distinctly different properties for maximum stress separation. Preferably, a piece having a design based on a core material, that is, a reinforcing material, and a sheath provided around the core material, that is, at least partially to cover the core material, is realized. The reinforcing material can ensure high performance with respect to the mechanical strength of the piece, particularly the tensile strength (high strength) and deformation due to stress (less deformation). As a supplement or alternative, the reinforcement can ensure high performance with respect to the mechanical strength of the piece against bending. In contrast, a sheath (or piece covering) that at least partially surrounds the reinforcement allows for the desired flexibility and / or desired light weight and / or desired geometry, etc. It mainly performs functions related to comfort and aesthetics. The sheath is preferably overmolded to the reinforcement, especially when made of an elastomeric material. The sheath may be joined by gluing and / or sewing to the perimeter of the reinforcement if it is made of leather.

  In any of the two cases, an opening 30 can be provided in the sheath so that the reinforcing material 2 is exposed. In that case, a treatment for preventing any alteration of the reinforcing material can be applied to the exposed portion of the reinforcing material. The opening may have an aesthetic function and / or a function that reveals the skill of the band piece.

  The reinforcement comprises a single attachment element 6 for the watch case and a single attachment element 5 for the fastener. The stiffener comprises a coupling element 4 which mechanically couples a piece of attachment element 6 to the watch case to a piece of attachment element 5 to the fastener. Preferably, the one-piece attachment element 6 for the watch case comprises a tube 10 and / or the one-piece attachment element 5 for the fastener comprises a tube 9. Alternatively, the single attachment element 6 to the watch case is realized by the first end of the coupling element and / or the single attachment element 5 to the fastener is realized by the second end of the coupling element. The reinforcing material 2 mainly comprises a thin plate 4, in particular a metal thin plate, in particular a superelastic alloy thin plate.

  The one-piece attachment element 6 for the watch case is adapted to cooperate with a second attachment element provided for integrating the piece to the watch case, in particular the lug. The first and second elements constitute a connecting portion. Similarly, the second attachment element provided for integrating the piece to the fastener, which may be a buckle or a clasp (eg a folding clasp), etc. To work with. The first and second elements constitute a connecting portion.

  As shown in particular in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 12 and 13, the one-piece attachment element 6 for the watch case and / or the one-piece attachment element 5 for the clasp are joined to the sheet 4 by welding or brazing 19. Realized by a tube. The tubes 9 and / or 10 can also have bulges and / or grooves for receiving the ends of the sheet and / or for facilitating welding and / or brazing and / or improving performance. In FIG. 12, the illustrated tube has a groove for receiving the thin plate 4.

  A spring bar, screw or pin forming a second attachment element is then coupled to the respective tube 9 and / or 10 and a piece is attached to the watch case or fastener.

The presence of the tubes 9 and 10 mainly makes it possible to integrate the ends of the reinforcement with the second mounting element, thereby taking up the tensile force in an optimal manner. These tubes also provide the following three advantages.
-Facilitates installation in the mold when a sheath is later formed on the reinforcement.
-Facilitate the insertion of spring bars, screws or pins. In fact, the rod can be easily passed through a completely circular tube.
-The length of one part, that is, the distance between two pins (distance between axes) between the one part / clasp and the connection part between the one part / case is accurately managed.

  The tube is preferably selected from the same material as the thin metal plate constituting the reinforcing material. In particular, when the material of the thin plate is a superelastic alloy, especially a NiTi alloy, the material of the tube is preferably a superelastic alloy, more preferably the same superelastic alloy as used for the thin plate, in particular a NiTi alloy. It is. This advantageous combination allows a robust joint of the tube to both ends of the sheet. The joining of the tubes to the ends of the sheet is preferably done by welding, more preferably the welding is laser type. The recommended laser welding joints allow local melting of the material, and thus ensure the excellent mechanical performance and good corrosion resistance without supplying the material from the outside, while ensuring the thin plate edge and tube Can be integrated. The tube dimensions are typically 1 to 2.5 mm in outer diameter. The tube 10 for connection between the case / pieces is preferably provided with a notch 101 so as not to damage the sheath when using a spring bar remover to attach the piece to the barrel.

  Alternatively, there is a risk that it will be more difficult to join the tubes to both ends of the sheet, but tubes made from Physox, Nivaflex, or equivalent materials could be used.

  It is also possible to use the elasticity of the sheath in compressing the spring bar while keeping the penetration part of the spring bar removed to the minimum necessary. In that case, the connecting tube 10 to the watch case must be shorter so that it can be compressed.

  In the second embodiment of the reinforcement 2 ′ shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the single attachment element 6 ′ to the watch case and / or the single attachment element 5 ′ to the clasp is provided at the end of the sheet 4 ′. Realized by bending. In practice, the first end is bent to form a through-hole 8, i.e. a loop, and a portion 20 of that end is folded back against the thin plate 4 '. This folded part 20, i.e. the folding, is fixed to the sheet, in particular by riveting. Thus, the thin plate and the fold have holes that are adapted to receive the rivets 12 opposite each other. The second end of the sheet is preferably molded in the same way, so that a penetration 7, i.e. a loop, is realized, the sheet and the turn-back having a hole adapted to receive the rivet 14 opposite each other. Have.

  In order to ensure the performance of the one part, the reinforcing material must be coupled with the connecting part while maintaining the maximum performance. The rivets that are riveted at each end can thereby be provided with a spring bar, screw or pin penetration for attaching the piece.

  Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a tube 10 ′ is arranged in the penetration 8 and / or a tube 9 ′ in the penetration 7 provided at the other end of the reinforcement. It can be arranged. By doing so, the stiffener can be folded around one or both tubes. Then, a spring bar, a screw or a shaft constituting the second attachment element is passed through each tube, and a piece is attached to the watch case or the fastener. Since the spring bar, screw or shaft can be passed directly through the penetration 7 or 8 without a tube, the tube 9 'and / or 10' can be selected arbitrarily. However, the presence of a tube is preferred.

  The tube is preferably selected from tubes made of Phynox, Nivaflex, superelastic alloys or equivalent materials, which can guarantee excellent mechanical performance and good corrosion resistance. The tube dimensions are typically 1 to 2.5 mm in outer diameter. The tube 10 'for connection between the case / pieces is preferably provided with a notch 101 so as not to damage the sheath when using a spring bar remover to attach the piece to the barrel.

  Tests have shown that rivets made of brass or stainless steel are perfectly suitable for the desired application. Other alternatives to riveting may be envisaged as to obtain the desired performance. For example, the turn 20 can be fixed to the remaining portion of the thin plate with a fastener. It is also possible to weld the turn 20 to the remaining part of the thin plate, which is realized, for example, at the end of the turn 20. In that case, the welding can preferably be laser type. It is also possible to screw the turn 20 to the rest of the sheet, in which case bolts are used instead of rivets.

  The first and second embodiments can be combined on the same stiffener as the first embodiment at the first end and the second embodiment at the second end.

  It should be noted that the solutions known in the current technology are not sufficient. A single turn-up as described in US Pat. No. 6,057,836 provides only a noticeable improvement in tensile strength. This is because, according to this document, unlike the present invention, it is the elastomer overmold that can handle the strength of the connecting portion.

  In the present invention, a reinforcing material is first realized which can mechanically couple a piece of attachment element to the watch case to a piece of attachment element to the fastener. Then, in this implementation stage, even if a tensile force of 50 N, further 100 N, or 200 N is mechanically applied to the reinforcing material, the reinforcing material and the mounting element are not deformed as in the case of the prior art. . In particular, even if a tensile force acts mechanically on a pin or spring bar in the tube 9 or 10, the tube or another element is pulled away from the reinforcement unless the reinforcement breaks. There is nothing. For this reason, in the above-described embodiment, the attachment element of the connecting portion (attaching to the case or the fastener) is integrated with the reinforcing material.

  The reinforcing material 2 has a main role of ensuring the mechanical strength of one part. In view of the need to obtain a flexible band and the strength criteria for various stresses, the reinforcement mainly comprises a metal band or sheet. In particular, the use of a superelastic alloy can also improve folding resistance.

  It is advantageous to use a superelastic alloy for the reinforcement in order to ensure that a large deformation of the piece does not lead to a permanent deformation, for example when the piece is folded back 180 °. Superelasticity appears in some very special alloys that exhibit a transformation from austenite to martensite. Superelasticity is characterized in that the sample completely regains shape when the applied stress is gone. In the temperature range where austenite is stable, martensitic transformation may occur under stress. The stress first acts in the elastic deformation region of austenite, where the stress is proportional to the deformation. Above the critical value, austenite transforms into martensite. When the stress disappears, a complete reversal from martensite to austenite occurs until the deformation is zero. This is because the austenite structure is stable at the temperature at which stress is applied. The great advantage of this property is that the possibility of deformation in the “elastic” region when the stress changes is great. The elasticity of these alloys can reach as much as 10 times that of steel.

  There are several alloys with superelastic properties. For example, NiTi alloy (trade name Nitinol) mainly composed of nickel and titanium can be used. The reason is mainly that this alloy has excellent corrosion resistance and further its biocompatibility. it can. Other superelastic alloys such as CuAlBe alloy, CuAlNi alloy or CuZnAl alloy can also be used.

  In the test, a NiTi alloy reinforcement, in particular, a NiTi alloy sheet joined to a NiTi alloy tube by laser welding, is a material that promotes adverse conditions (equivalent to electrolytic corrosion and prestress of the sheet metal). Even in the combination), and after passing through a salt spray test for 2 months, it was confirmed to have excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

  The thin plate used can have an initial curvature of zero, and the curvature of the piece can be obtained during the molding of the sheath. It is also conceivable to give an initial curvature (preform) to the thin plate using an appropriate manufacturing method.

  The present invention allows the reinforcement to take into account the sheath because it can decouple the contribution of the function of “mechanical strength” and the function of “aesthetic / comfort” to at least some extent. The dimensions can be determined independently. It is clear that the addition of the sheath further improves the tensile strength.

  Non-Patent Document 1 stipulates that the wristwatch band must be able to withstand a tensile force F of 200 N on one side without breaking (permanent deformation is allowed) as shown in FIG. Yes. These requirements can be further raised, in which case the band break is effected by a shear break of the threaded rod core shaft.

  Then, according to the maximum tensile force F that must be held without breaking the piece, the reinforcing material is estimated by estimating the stress corresponding to the maximum force, which must be less than the elastic limit of the material. The dimensions are determined. In the dimensions used in the test frame, when the minimum width is 7.4 mm, a limit force 440N before plastic deformation can be obtained with a thickness of 0.1 mm, which is expected. While well above the value, it is well below the elastic limit and rupture stress of the material.

  In addition, simulations and tests have shown that the stress concentration that occurs around the weld or rivet also remains below the plasticization limit stress, even when tensile forces greater than 300 N are applied. Other tests have shown that such a configuration allows for a level of performance that is more than sufficient to meet the requirements of Non-Patent Document 1 where the threshold of tensile strength is specified. Lateral and tensile shear strengths are also within acceptable standards.

  Furthermore, the thickness of the sheath can be chosen so that the bending strength of the piece is optimized. In the case of a thin plate having a thickness of 0.1 mm, the allowable radius of curvature is 0.7 mm (in the case of a thin core plate made of stainless steel (1.4310 type), the allowable minimum radius of curvature is only up to 5 mm. Absent). Therefore, the thickness of the band covering is selected so as to obtain a radius of curvature larger than the allowable limit when the piece is bent 180 °.

  NiTi alloys lose their superelastic properties below 0 ° C. However, this alloy recovers all of its properties when the temperature again exceeds its limit. Therefore, a thin plate bent at a radius of 2 mm at −16 ° C. maintains its bend while the temperature is below 0 ° C. and returns straight when the temperature is higher (at 20 ° C. for 8 seconds). To recover the shape). Superelastic alloy sheets also maintain all of their superelastic properties after being covered with a sheath (overmolding conditions: typically T> 180 ° C. over several minutes). This temperature behavior can vary depending on which superelastic alloy is selected. For this reason, some alloys can be used at lower temperatures, but in that case the maximum operating temperature will be reduced.

  The thin plates shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 to 11 have a complex shape whose cross section varies along the length of one piece. Thereby, the rigidity and flexibility of the band can be finely adjusted along the length of the one part. In fact, if the thickness and / or length of the piece changes and / or the opening 30 is opened in the piece for reasons of aesthetics or comfort, the flexibility of the piece changes significantly. To do. In the case of a complicated band piece as shown in FIG. 1, such a change in flexibility can make the wristwatch wearer feel uncomfortable and impair its tactile evaluation. This approach compensates for the change in the flexural modulus of the sheath (the Young's modulus times the inertia around the neutral axis of the metal core) by modifying the inertia of the sheet, especially its width. Its purpose is to provide a predetermined piece of flexibility along the length of the piece, in particular constant flexibility, over the entire length of the piece, otherwise a part of the piece, in particular the radius of curvature of the wrist. It is to guarantee in the vicinity of the fastener that is the most changing part. Preferably, the thickness of the sheet does not change along the length of the sheet.

  To illustrate this for the complex geometry of the sheath, see FIGS. 8 and 9-11. 9 is a cross section at the AA plane level of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a cross section at the BB plane level of FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is a cross section at the CC plane level of FIG. . It can be seen that the geometrical shape of the cross section of one part differs at the level of these three surfaces. Indeed, the cross-sectional geometry of the sheath 3 and / or the cross-sectional geometry of the reinforcement 4 varies along the length of the piece. Among other things, the cross section of the sheath changes to perform aesthetic functions, and the cross section of the stiffener changes to perform mechanical functions, particularly mechanical functions associated with comfort. FIG. 9 also shows the opening 30. This design makes it possible to have a constant flexibility of the piece, particularly in the part close to the fastener of the piece, and more generally due to the presence of the opening. It is possible to compensate for the change in rigidity caused by the change.

With such a design, it is possible to obtain a desired profile for the flexibility of the piece along the length of the piece, especially by changing the cross section of the reinforcement along the length of the piece. The graph of FIG. 14 shows the profile. The points on the graph indicate the bending stiffness or flexibility of the band at various piece positions for the following four types of pieces.
-A piece of 57.5 mm long (1 = 57.5, constant) with a reinforcing member of constant cross-section,
-A 57.5 mm long piece (1 = 57.5, change) with a stiffener of varying cross section,
-A 71.5 mm long piece (1 = 71.5, constant) with a constant cross-section reinforcement;
A piece of 71.5 mm in length with a stiffener of varying cross section (l = 71.5, change).

  In the case of a piece with a varying cross-section of the reinforcing material, it is optimized to ensure a constant rigidity along the length of the piece, and the nominal value of the ordinate is 1. It turns out that the effect | action by the change of the cross section of a sheath can be compensated to a considerable part by changing the cross section of a reinforcing material. That is, between point 10 and point 28, the change from the minimum value to the maximum value of the stiffness is more than 25% in the case of the reinforcing material having a constant cross section, and 4% in the case of the reinforcing material having a different cross section. It becomes so small that it is no longer understood. In the graph of FIG. 14, the abscissa points 14, 21, and 28 substantially correspond to the respective profile positions AA, BB, and CC in FIGS.

FIGS. 15 to 17 show the possibilities posed by changing the dimensions of the sheet in a simpler case and represent a method for determining the dimensions of the sheet. Band piece is constituted by the material of the sheath of reinforcing material and the coefficient E _e of the elastic modulus E _r. The bending rigidity of one piece of a single material is proportional to the product of the elastic modulus and the inertia of the cross section. In the case of the band piece according to the present invention, the rigidity of the piece is proportional to (E _r × I _r + E _e × I _e ) in the first approximation. However, representing the inertia of the transverse cross section of each I _r and I _e the reinforcing member and the sheath. This approximation is valid when the cross section rotates about the neutral axis of the reinforcement, which is reasonable because E _r >> E _e in general. In this general case, it is the reinforcement that “determines” the position of the axis of rotation of the sheath cross-section, which coincides with or very close to the neutral axis of the reinforcement. If the two coefficients are similar, the stiffness can be calculated more accurately by determining the bending rotation axis of the piece and calculating the inertia according to the axial position by a method well known to those skilled in the art. You can also. Assuming the specific case where the stiffener lamina and sheath have a rectangular cross-section as the most common case, I _r = (b _r × h _r ³ ) / 12 and I _e = (b _e × h _e ³ ) / 12, where b is the width and h is the height, respectively, for the reinforcing sheet and sheath. In any case, by compensating for the change in inertia of the sheath cross-section by the change of the inverse sign of the cross-section inertia of the lamina, the total bending stiffness is at least part of the piece, for example At least half would be able to be constant or nearly constant.

Therefore, in determining the geometrical shape of the band piece, in particular in determining the geometrical shape of the reinforcing material, in particular in determining the width and / or thickness of the reinforcing material of the band piece part, You can do this by following the steps.
-Profile the change in flexural rigidity of the piece along the length of the piece.
-Define the sheath material and its dimensions.
− Select the thickness of the reinforcements and select the width of each reinforcement.
-Calculate the width of the stiffeners and the thickness of each stiffener so that the bending stiffness of the strips along the length of the strips varies according to the determined profile.

In the example of FIGS. 15-17, the sheath has a width and / or thickness that varies along the length of the piece, while the stiffener has a width that varies with the position along the length of the piece. Thus, the change in rigidity of the sheath alone can be compensated. FIG. 15 shows that the width is constant from 16 mm at one end (the origin of the x-axis) to the middle of one part, and linearly spreads from there to 20 mm toward the other end of the one part, while the thickness is A piece with a sheath that is constant at 2.8 mm is shown. FIG. 16 shows a sheath whose width is constant along the length of the piece and whose thickness is 2.8 mm up to the first half of the piece and increases linearly from there to 3.2 mm. . FIG. 17 is a combination of changes in the width and thickness of one piece of FIGS. 15 and 16. The thickness of the reinforcing material is selected to be constant at 0.1 mm, and the width is selected to be 14 mm at the origin. The width then varies along the length of the piece so that (E _r × I _r + E _e × I _e ) is constant along the length of the piece. However, E _e = 3 MPa (a typical value in an elastomer) and E _r = 80 GPa (a typical value in a superelastic alloy, particularly a NiTi alloy). The change in the width of the stiffener advantageously compensates for the change in sheath dimensions and allows for a constant stiffness along the length of the piece, thereby increasing wearer comfort. I understand.

  In either case, the profile of the lamina along the length of the piece does not change in the same direction as the profile of the sheath. That is, the width of the thin plate and the width of the sheath are changed in the opposite direction along the length of the piece. That is, the sign of the rate of change of the width of the thin plate and the width of the sheath along the length of the profile is reversed. The profile of the lamina does not follow the profile of the sheath in at least part of the piece, for example in at least half of the piece. More generally, the rate of change of the inertia value of the cross-section of the sheet along the length of the piece is at least part of the piece or reinforcement, for example at least half of the piece, of the inertia value of the cross-section of the sheath. The sign is opposite to the rate of change. In that case, the inertia value of the cross-section of the thin plate and the inertia value of the cross-section of the sheath change in opposite directions in at least a part of the piece or the reinforcing material, for example at least half of the piece.

  Similarly, the rate of change of the thickness value of the sheet along the length of the piece is the rate of change of the value of the thickness of the sheath at least part of the piece or reinforcement, for example at least half of the piece. It can be the opposite sign. In that case, the value of the thickness of the thin plate and the value of the thickness of the sheath can be changed in the opposite direction at least at one part or at least part of the reinforcement, for example at least half of the part.

  Similarly, the rate of change in the value of the width of the sheet along the length of the piece is at least part of the piece or reinforcement, for example at least half of the piece, opposite to the rate of change of the sheath thickness value. It is a sign. In that case, the value of the width of the thin plate and the value of the thickness of the sheath change in opposite directions in at least a part of the piece or reinforcement, for example at least half of the piece.

  In the example of FIG. 17, the cross-section of the stiffener is probably too small at the widest end of the sheath to perform the expected mechanical performance, so this example also needs to be considered carefully. It should be noted. In this case, consider changing the thickness of the stiffener, or reduce the inertia of the sheath so that the cross-section of the stiffener does not decrease to below the minimum that can achieve the expected mechanical performance. Consider not trying to make up for the entire length of the part.

  With such a design, the profile of the reinforcement along the length of the piece, in particular, the desired profile, especially a constant profile, for the flexibility of the piece along the length of the piece, Part or even over the entire length of the piece.

  In conclusion, the effect of the geometric shape of the outer shape of one part can be compensated by using a reinforcing material with varying width. Furthermore, the action due to the presence of an element that spreads on the lower surface of the one part such as a backing cushion can be remarkably reduced.

  Therefore, it is possible to give almost constant flexibility to the wound part of the one part with respect to the wrist, and the wearer can obtain a remarkably increased comfort.

  Thus, the stiffeners can vary in at least a part of the piece, for example at least half of the piece, and for example in the fastener, by changing the cross-sectional geometry, in particular the width of the cross-section, along the length of the piece. Half of the adjacent strips have a cross-section such that the flexural rigidity of the strips along the length of the strips exhibits a predetermined profile, in particular a constant profile. “Constant profile” means that the bending stiffness of a piece does not change more than 20% of the nominal value, preferably it does not change more than 10% of the nominal value, ideally 5% of the nominal value. It means not changing beyond.

The sheath 3 is made of, for example, a polymer material. This polymeric material includes the following groups:
-Thermosetting resin,
-Elastomers,
-Thermoplastic resin

  Most suitable for flexible band applications is a group of elastomers, and optionally a group of thermoplastic elastomers (a mixture of elastomer and thermoplastic resin, commonly referred to as “TPE”). In order to facilitate the realization of the band piece, it is generally preferred to apply a compound that promotes adhesion of the elastomer to the reinforcement to the surface of the metal reinforcement. The compound is selected according to the material used for the elastomer and reinforcement, such as by hitting the “Product Selector Guide” for Chemord / Chemosil adhesives from LORD.

  Alternatively, the sheath may be made of leather sewn around the reinforcement.

  This piece has already been described as applied to a band comprising two pieces and a clasp. In this preferable case, the piece includes a reinforcing portion extending from the connecting portion of the case to the connecting portion of the clasp.

  This piece can also be applied to a band comprising two pieces and another fastener such as a buckle / stick system that cooperates with a stick hole. Therefore, the piece portion can include a reinforcing portion that extends from the connecting portion of the case to the connecting portion of the buckle, or a reinforcing portion that extends from the connecting portion of the case to the stick hole.

  In this specification, "the coupling element 4 mechanically couples or mechanically integrates the first attachment element 6 to the second attachment element 5" means 50N, unless the coupling element breaks, Furthermore, it means that the coupling element prevents the first element from being pulled away from the second mounting element under a pulling force of 100 N or even 200 N. This is true even before the sheath is applied around the reinforcement.

Claims (30)

A piece of reinforcing material (2, 2 ') for the wristband piece (1) to be installed in the piece sheath (3) made of a flexible material,
A coupling element (4) that mechanically couples or mechanically integrates the piece mounting element (10, 6, 10 ') to the watch case with the piece mounting element (9, 5) to the fastener. 4 ').   Reinforcing material according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element comprises a thin plate, in particular a thin metal plate, in particular a superelastic alloy thin metal plate.   2. The attachment element of the piece to the watch case is made of a superelastic alloy and / or the attachment element of the piece to the fastener is made of a superelastic alloy. 2. The reinforcing material according to 2.   4. The attachment element of the piece to the watch case comprises a tube and / or the attachment element of the piece to the fastener comprises a tube. Reinforcing material described in 1.   2. The coupling element according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional geometry, in particular the cross-sectional width and / or the cross-sectional thickness, has a cross-section that varies along the length of the piece or the reinforcement. The reinforcement material as described in any one of thru | or 4.   The coupling element forms at least part of the attachment element (6 ′) of the piece relative to the watch case, in particular a loop (8), and / or the coupling element of the piece relative to the fastener Reinforcing material according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it forms at least part of the mounting element (5 '), in particular a loop (7).   The coupling element comprises an end (20) that is folded and secured to the coupling element at the level of the attachment element (6 ′) of the piece relative to the watch case and / or the coupling element is folded back. Reinforcement according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises an end fixed to the coupling element at the level of the attachment element (5 ') of the piece relative to the fastener.   The end of the coupling element folded at the mounting element (6 ′) level of the piece relative to the watch case is fixed to the coupling element by riveting and / or welding and / or screwing and / or The end of the coupling element folded at the attachment element (5 ') level of the piece relative to the fastener is fixed to the coupling element by riveting and / or welding and / or screwing. The reinforcing material according to claim 7.   For example, by fastening by welding or brazing, the coupling element (4) is fixed directly to the attachment element (10) of the piece to the watch case and / or the coupling element (4) is 6. Reinforcing material according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is fixed directly to the attachment element (9) of the piece to the fastener.   End of the coupling element (4) relative to the attachment element (10) of the piece to the watch case and / or to the attachment element (9) of the piece to the clasp The reinforcing material according to claim 9, wherein the reinforcing material is directly fixed by a screw.   A piece of reinforcing material (2, 2 ') for the watch band piece (1) for internal installation in a piece of sheath (3) made of a flexible material, made of superelastic alloy, and a watch case Characterized in that it comprises a thin plate extending from the one-piece attachment element (10, 6, 10 ', 6') to the fastener to the one-piece attachment element (9, 5, 9 ', 5') to the fastener. Reinforcing material.   A piece of reinforcing material (2, 2 ') for a wristband piece (1) for installation in a piece of sheath (3) made of a flexible material, the reinforcing material having a cross-sectional geometric shape More specifically, a thin plate having a cross-section whose cross-sectional width and / or cross-sectional thickness varies along the length of the piece, the thin plate being attached to the piece of the piece with respect to a watch case ( 10, 6, 10 ′, 6 ′) to the attachment element (9, 5, 9 ′, 5 ′) of the piece relative to the fastener, the geometry being at least part of the piece, eg The half of the piece adjacent to the fastener, the bending stiffness of the piece along the length of the piece varies along the length of the piece so as to exhibit a predetermined profile, in particular a constant profile. Reinforcement featured.   The reinforcing material according to claim 12, wherein the thin plate is a metal thin plate, specifically, a metal thin plate made of a superelastic alloy.   12. The attachment element of the piece to the watch case is made of a superelastic alloy and / or the attachment element of the piece to the fastener is made of a superelastic alloy. 14. The reinforcing material according to any one of items 13.   15. The attachment element of the piece to the watch case comprises a tube and / or the attachment element of the piece to the fastener comprises a tube. Reinforcing material described in 1.   12. The sheet according to claim 11, characterized in that the lamina has a cross section whose cross section geometry, in particular the width and / or thickness of the cross section, varies along the length of the piece or the reinforcement. The reinforcing material according to any one of 15.   The lamina forms at least part of the attachment element (6 ') of the piece relative to the watch case, in particular a loop (8), and / or the lamina of the piece relative to the clasp 17. Stiffener according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that it forms at least a part of the mounting element (5 '), in particular a loop (7).   The thin plate is provided with an end (20) that is folded back and secured to the thin plate at the level of the attachment element (6 ′) of the piece relative to the watch case, and / or the thin plate is folded back 18. Stiffener according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises an end fixed to the lamina at the level of the attachment element (5 ') of the piece relative to the tool.   The end of the sheet folded back at the mounting element (6 ′) level of the piece relative to the watch case is fixed to the sheet by re-betting and / or welding and / or screwing and / or The end of the sheet folded back at the attachment element (5 ') level of the piece to the fastener is fixed to the sheet by riveting and / or welding and / or screwing. The reinforcing material according to claim 18.   For example, by fixing by welding or brazing, the thin plate (4) is fixed directly to the attachment element (10) of the piece with respect to the watch case, and / or the thin plate (4) is fixed to the fastener. 17. Reinforcing material according to claim 11, characterized in that it is fixed directly to the mounting element (9) of the piece with respect to.   The thin plate (4) is fixed directly at its end to the attachment element (10) of the piece to the watch case or to the attachment element (9) of the piece to the clasp. The reinforcing material according to claim 20, wherein:   The attachment element of the piece to the watch case under a tensile force of 50 N, even 100 N, or 200 N, unless the coupling element or the thin plate breaks. Reinforcement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 10) has the property of preventing it from being pulled away from the attachment element for the fastener (9).   Watchband piece (1) comprising a reinforcement according to any one of claims 1 to 22 and a sheath (3), in particular an elastomeric sheath.   24. Band piece according to claim 23, characterized in that the sheath comprises at least one opening (30) exposing the reinforcement.   25. Band piece according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the sheath is overmolded on the reinforcement.   At least part of the piece, e.g. by changing the inertia and / or geometry of the cross-section of the coupling element, in particular the reinforcement and / or the sheath, along the length of the piece or the reinforcement, e.g. The half of the piece adjacent to the fastener is configured such that the bending rigidity of the piece along the length of the piece exhibits a predetermined profile, specifically a constant profile. Item 26. The band piece according to any one of Items 23 to 25.   The inertial and / or geometric property values of the cross-section of each of the coupling element or the lamina and the sheath vary in the opposite direction along the length of the piece or the reinforcement. 27. The band piece according to any one of 22 to 26.   A wristwatch band comprising at least one band piece according to any one of claims 23 to 27.   A wristwatch comprising at least one band piece according to any one of claims 23 to 27. A method for determining the width and / or thickness of a piece reinforcement (2, 2 ') of a watch band piece (1) for installation in a piece sheath (3) made of flexible material,
Defining a profile of the change in bending stiffness of the piece along the length of the piece;
Defining the sheath material and dimensions of the sheath;
Choosing the thickness of the reinforcement and choosing the width of the reinforcement;
Calculating the width of the reinforcement and calculating the thickness of the reinforcement such that the bending stiffness of the piece along the length of the piece changes according to the determined profile.

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